Submarines and Asbestos

Submarines are powerful underwater vessels that made large impacts in both World War I and World War II. Yet, as with most vessels constructed prior to the 1970s, submarines were made with numerous asbestos-containing products. Consequently, a myriad of veterans and even their loved ones developed life-threatening diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancers.

If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be entitled to considerable compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on leading mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more.

About Submarines

Submarines are 362-foot vessels with the capability of submerging underwater to carry out independent operations. They are powerful vessels that can submerge over 1,600 underwater.

Prior to World War I, submarines were primarily used by the military for anti-surface ship warfare. This continued when World War I started, which made the submarine the most effective attack vessels. Submarines sunk the RMS Lusitania during this time, and the incident is often referred to as the reason the U.S. entered into the war.

Submarines continued to play an important role during World War II. By using submarines during the way, the U.S. Navy destroyed over 30 percent of the Japanese Navy’s vessels, including a battleship, cruisers, and aircraft carriers.

A total of 314 submarines were used during World War II by the U.S. Navy. At least 52 of these submarines were lost during the war, yet the powerful vessels were also responsible for sinking a total of 1,560 enemy ships.

Submarines and Asbestos

According to military documents and memos, asbestos was used extensively when constructing and repairing submarines. Asbestos was used in military vessels starting in the 1920s, up until the late 1970s, when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed strict regulations on its use.

The U.S. military chose to use asbestos and asbestos-containing products due to its ease of use, resistance to high temperatures and fires, and its affordability. Unfortunately, workers were exposed to the harmful mineral on a daily basis. Many people had to work in small space with poor ventilation aboard submarines, while inhaling asbestos fibers.

Chrysotile asbestos and amosite asbestos were the main types of asbestos used when constructing and repairing submarines. Asbestos was found in ceilings, pipes, flooring, gaskets, packing supplies, in torpedo rooms, and more.

Documentation of Asbestos Use in Submarines

Numerous sales orders, repair logs, documents, memos, and letters on file with the U.S. military confirms that asbestos-containing products were purchased and used on submarines.

Two submarines, in particular, the USS Croaker and the USS Triton, were found to have exorbitant amounts of asbestos. Almost all of the other submarines created prior to the late 1970s were found to have unsafe levels of asbestos.

Veterans Are at a Heightened Risk of Mesothelioma

Today’s veterans who worked on or aboard submarines built prior to the late 1970s are at the highest risk of developing an asbestos-related illness. This includes people who worked at the shipyard, those who repaired submarines and replaced submarine parts, insulation workers, electricians, painters, and crew workers aboard submarines.

In fact, any person who worked in and around submarines are at risk of developing diseases such as malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer. It’s imperative to get regular medical checkups if you worked aboard submarines and/or helped repair or construct them.

Even people who didn’t work at shipyards or on submarines are risk, such as spouses and children of Navy veterans. Many veterans went home with asbestos fibers all over their clothes, in their hair, and on their skin. This in turn, placed people in the family home at risk of developing asbestos illnesses from second-hand exposure.

Additional Help and Resources for People Who Worked Aboard Submarines

Remember to fill out our from to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on leading asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. Keep in mind that if you have mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for considerable compensation. For additional assistance or questions, contact us at 800-793-4540.

Author Leigh Egan

Leigh Egan has been a writer, editor, and reporter since 2005. She’s an award-winning journalist who specializes in conducting in-depth research on mesothelioma and the legal options available to asbestos victims. She has been the head writer at MesotheliomaLawyerCenter.org
since 2012.